Punjab Chief Minister Captain that Bikram Singh Majithia and some other Akali leaders may have been involved in drugs trading and trafficking in the state, but was waiting for evidence to act against them. Replying to questions at a press conference here, the Chief Minister said his government would assist the Enforcement Directorate in any investigation against Majithia but could not take any action till the completion of such probe. The government would not spare Majithia or anyone else proved to be guilty in drugs trading in the state, he vowed, assuring Congress MLAs who had been raising the issue and seeking action against Majithia.
In response to another question, the Chief Minister castigated Indian-origin Canadian defence minister Harjit Sajjan and newly-elected NDP leader Jagmeet Singh for trying to whip up communal passions in India with their irresponsible and inflammatory statements. Captain Amarinder said if these two leaders considered themselves Indians, they should not make statements that can fan disharmony and destabilize Punjab, and in fact the whole of India. They should realize that what they say to their constituency has an adverse effect in India, said the Chief Minister, in response to a question.
On the power tariff hike, the Chief Minister said he also felt strongly about it but the decision was taken by the regulator and his government could not interfere in the matter. However, he reiterated that just as it had capped industry electricity tariff and was providing free power for agriculture, his government would explore ways of bringing down domestic power rates also. Captain Amarinder categorically ruled out any move to impose a Pet tax in the state, saying there was no discussion or proposal in this regard. Giving the rationale for the government’s decision to close down some primary schools, the Chief Minister said the schools were being amalgamated with other institutions for better efficiencies and upgradation of education standards. With the amalgamation planned within a 1-km radius, the move would not have any adverse effect on students, he added.